<![CDATA[The objective of this study was to optimize the operating conditions for an electrocatalytic method of producing biodiesel from local used frying oil (UFO). The effects of electrical voltages (5-30 V), methanol-to-oil molar ratios (4:1-8:1), KOH catalyst concentrations (0.5-1.25% w/w), and electrolysis time (30-120 min) on biodiesel yield were investigated. The highest biodiesel yield of 95.3% was obtained at a voltage of 30 V, methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 6:1, catalyst concentration of 1% w/w, and electrolysis time of 120 min. A regression model was developed to predict the optimum operating conditions, resulting in a maximum biodiesel yield of 95.54%. The predicted optimum operating conditions were a voltage of 24.4 V, methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 5.8:1, catalyst concentration of 1% w/w, and electrolysis time of 120 min. The net profit of the biodiesel business using local UFO as a feedstock was estimated to be IDR 738,000 per month based on a simple economic calculation. These findings demonstrate the potential for using electrocatalytic methods to produce biodiesel from local UFO, and the economic feasibility of producing biodiesel in small-scale industries.]]>
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